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James Hetfield, co-founder and lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist for Metallica has mourned the death of Marsha Zazula, co-founder of Megaforce Records, which is the record label releasing the heavy metal band’s first two albums, ‘Kill ‘Em All‘ and ‘Ride The Lightning.’
Shortly after Zazula’s daughter Rikki Zazula had delivered the devastating news by writing a Facebook post, Hetfield released a statement to pay tribute to her. Through the official Instagram page for Metallica, alongside a TBT photo that sees two together, the following message in which Hetfield described Zazula as their “mother” due to her sacrifices for the group, was launched:
“Marsha Z is the Metal Matriarch of the East Coast. She was our mother when I had none. She made great sacrifices for Metallica to grow. Thank you, Marsha. Love and positive energy to the Zazula family.”
What’s more, the drummer and co-founder of the band, Lars Ulrich also led a tribute to Zazula who passed away on January 10, at the age of 68. Via the official Instagram page for Metallica, Ulrich’s following message was released, accompanying photo of him with Zazula and her husband Jon (Jonny Z):
“Thank you Marsha for making it happen… For supporting us, for encouraging us, for advising us, for sheltering us, for feeding us, and most importantly for cheering us on and along with your husband Jonny, believing in the possibilities of how a gang of misfits and outsiders like ourselves could connect with a larger and likeminded audience…”
In his message, Ulrich praised Zazula for having been an incredibly selfless matriarch, adding that he and the rest of the members of the group would be grateful forever for her contributions both to their lives and careers.
Zazula, whose cause of death has not yet been revealed, worked with notable heavy bands throughout her career in Megaforce Records, such as King’s X, Stormtroopers of Death, Anthrax, Testament, Ministry, and Overkill.
See below to view Hetfield’s tribute.
